When Nokia announced the Nokia N900, everyone expected to see a lot more Maemo-powered handsets from Nokia in the following year. However, this is not the case, as Nokia only intends to release one Maemo handset in 2010.
To be honest, most people thought Nokia would be saying goodbye to Symbian and using their Linux-based Maemo OS instead. However, Nokia has stated that they are “firmly committed to Symbian as our smartphone platform of choice.”
The Competitive Landscape
This decision seems like a strange move from Nokia, especially considering the intense competition in the smartphone market. With Google Android smartphones and Apple’s iPhone gaining significant traction, one would expect Nokia to ramp up its efforts to compete more aggressively. The Android platform, in particular, has been rapidly evolving, offering a wide range of devices that cater to various market segments. Similarly, Apple’s iPhone continues to set benchmarks in terms of user experience and ecosystem integration.
Nokia’s choice to stick with Symbian, despite its aging architecture, raises questions about their long-term strategy. Symbian was once a dominant force in the mobile OS market, but it has struggled to keep up with the more modern and flexible platforms like Android and iOS. By not fully embracing Maemo, Nokia risks falling further behind in the innovation race.
Maemo’s Potential and Nokia’s Strategy
Instead of releasing multiple Maemo handsets, Nokia intends to redesign their Maemo OS to improve its capacitive touchscreen capabilities and integrate it with their range of online services. This approach aims to enhance the user experience and make the OS more competitive. However, it begs the question: why not do this while also releasing more than one new Maemo handset in 2010?
Maemo, being a Linux-based OS, offers a lot of potential for customization and flexibility. It could have been a strong contender against Android, which also shares a Linux foundation. By focusing on just one Maemo device, Nokia might be missing an opportunity to capture a larger share of the market that is increasingly leaning towards open-source and customizable platforms.
Moreover, the integration of Maemo with Nokia’s online services could have provided a seamless experience for users, similar to what Apple achieves with its ecosystem. This could have been a unique selling point for Nokia, differentiating it from other manufacturers who rely heavily on third-party services.
Examples from other manufacturers show that diversifying the product lineup can be beneficial. For instance, Samsung’s strategy of releasing multiple devices across different price points has helped it capture a significant market share. By offering a variety of devices, Samsung ensures that there is something for everyone, from budget-conscious consumers to high-end users.
via Gadgetsteria
Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
